"The school has so far escaped facing NCAA prosecution for compelling allegations that star tailback Reggie Bush and his family were lavishly compensated by an aspiring agent while playing for the Trojans."
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Surprisingly candid language for ESPN regarding one of their favorites, little Reggie. I dunno, maybe ESPNs sponsers are reducing the number of commercials that feature Bush ?

I think USC (or any BCS school for that matter) is "too big to fail" so to speak. That they can cheat and get by on 'less than adequate punishment' because in the grand scheme of things, a 'fair' punishment (SMU) could be and would be devastating. I don't think the NCAA ever wants to see the effects of that again (especially a money-maker like USC, Notre Dame, Ohio St., etc.).

SAN DIEGO — After months of legal wrangling, New Orleans Saints running back Reggie Bush finally will have to testify under oath about allegations that he received $291,000 in illegal cash and benefits from San Diego businessman and fledgling sports marketer Lloyd Lake.
Lake is suing Bush and his parents for reimbursement of the $291,000 he says he gave to Bush, stepfather LaMar Griffin and mother Denise Griffin while Bush was a student-athlete at Southern California. He has already spent several hours telling his side of the story to NCAA investigators.

Superior Court Judge Joan Lewis on Friday ordered Bush to give his deposition June 23, LaMar Griffin on June 27 and Denise Griffin on June 30. Lewis denied Bush's request to have armed security at the depositions. Furthermore, Lewis denied Bush's request for his deposition to remain confidential, which means it can be released to the NCAA and the news media. If Bush admits wrongdoing while he was a student-athlete, it could have major repercussions for USC's football program.

"We're very pleased the judge put a stop to Bush's ducking and dodging," said Brian Watkins, Lake's lawyer. Lake's deposition is scheduled for June 5 and 6. —http://www.usatoday.com/sports/colle...n_N.htm?csp=34
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I dunno, but maybe Bush himself is finally running out of time ?
Does he testify or pay Lake for it to go away ?

I think USC (or any BCS school for that matter) is "too big to fail" so to speak. That they can cheat and get by on 'less than adequate punishment' because in the grand scheme of things, a 'fair' punishment (SMU) could be and would be devastating. I don't think the NCAA ever wants to see the effects of that again (especially a money-maker like USC, Notre Dame, Ohio St., etc.).

Not saying if it's right or wrong, but just how the world is today.

I don't think that's the case. The NCAA had no problem banning Michigan from the tournament for several years after the Fab Five mess involving boosters.